USA News

   Amanda Knox has been re-convicted of slander in Italy, despite being exonerated of the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, in 2007.  Knox was accused of wrongly accusing Patrick Lumumba, an innocent man, of the crime. She will not serve additional jail time, as the three-year sentence has already been served. Knox maintained her innocence throughout the trial, stating that she was pressured by police into making the accusation without a lawyer or translator present. She expressed regret for not being stronger in resisting the pressure. The case has garnered intense media attention, with many following the developments on social media.  Knox's exoneration and the conviction of an Ivorian man whose footprints and DNA were found at the scene have not dispelled doubts about her role in the murder, particularly in Italy. Knox returned to Italy for the trial, her second visit since being freed in 2011. She hopes to clear her name of the false charges and move on f...

  In a historic moment for space exploration, NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test launched on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10:52 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are on board the Starliner spacecraft, bound for the International Space Station. The launch marks the first crewed flight test of the Starliner spacecraft and the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission aims to validate the transportation system, launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, and in-orbit operations capabilities. The Starliner spacecraft is expected to dock at the International Space Station on Thursday, June 6, at approximately 12:15 p.m. EDT, where Wilmore and Williams will join the Expedition 71 crew. The astronauts will spend about a week on the station, testing the spacecraft's systems and performing scientific experiments. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the successful launch, statin...

  Amandla Stenberg and Leslye Headland, the star and creator of 'Star Wars: The Acolyte', respectively, thought the surprise twist in the first episode would leak before the series premiere.  The show's marketing campaign withheld the reveal of Stenberg's dual role as Mae and Osha, a move that Stenberg and Headland found surprising. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stenberg expressed her shock that the twist remained a secret until the premiere, while Headland hinted that the deception may not be over yet.  The show's trailer, which debuted in March, featured a line from Lee Jung-jae's Master Sol that has taken on a new meaning after the reveal: "Close your eyes. Your eyes can deceive you. We must not trust them." Stenberg plays both Mae, a vengeful assassin, and Osha, a space mechanic and Mae's twin sister, who were separated 16 years earlier. Headland credits Stenberg's performance in 'The Hate U Give' for her decision to ...

  Women's Rights in the Spotlight as Austria Prepares to Vote on June 9th As Austrians head to the polls on June 9th, we examine the election manifestos of the country's leading parties and their stance on women's rights and gender equality. We also spoke to political expert Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle to get her take on the parties' promises. Facts About the EU Elections 20 Austrian members will be elected to the European Parliament on June 9th. All EU citizens living in Austria or Austrians living abroad who are 16 or older can vote. Voting can be done in person or by mail. How Do the Parties Stack Up on Women's Rights? ÖVP (Austrian People's Party): Emphasizes equality between women and men, empowerment in the labor market, research, and top positions, and protection from violence. SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria): Guarantees equal pay for women and men, strengthens women in leadership positions, and advocates for a legal right to full-day childcare. FPÖ...

  "Des Teufels Bad" Wins Best Film, "Rickerl" Secures Directing and Screenplay Awards The 14th Austrian Film Awards saw two major winners: historical depression drama "Des Teufels Bad" and musician portrait "Rickerl". "Des Teufels Bad" won eight awards, including Best Film, while "Rickerl" secured awards for directing and screenplay. Acting Categories Won by Music Duo Anja Plaschg (Soap&Skin) won Best Actress for her portrayal of a depressed woman in "Des Teufels Bad", while Voodoo Jürgens won Best Actor for the title role in "Rickerl". New Award for Best Casting Introduced "Rickerl" also won the new award for best casting, introduced this year, with Angelika Kropej receiving the honor. Other Honors Martin Gschlacht won Best Cinematography, Michael Palm won Best Editing, and Maria Hofstätter won Best Supporting Actress for their work on "Des Teufels Bad". Tanja Hausner was recognized...

  Southern Ontario Braces for Scattered Thunderstorms A severe thunderstorm warning for the region has ended, but a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for a large portion of southern Ontario, including Grey-Bruce, Huron-Perth, London-Middlesex, Oxford-Brant, and Sarnia-Lambton. Scattered Thunderstorms Expected Scattered thunderstorms pushed into the region this afternoon and continued into the early evening, with a cold front pushing through. CTV News London Meteorologist Julie Atchison warns of muggy conditions and a round of showers Wednesday morning and evening. Forecast Wednesday: Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 26°C, feeling like low to mid-30s with the humidex. Wednesday Night: Showers ending after midnight, risk of thunderstorms, low of 16°C. Thursday: Increasing cloudiness, 40% chance of showers, high of 25°C. Friday: Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers, high of 18°C. Weekend: Cloudy with a 30% chance of showers, highs of 19°C. Monday...

  First Rate Cut Since March 2020 The Bank of Canada has lowered its key interest rate from 5% to 4.75%, marking the first rate cut since March 2020. Bank governor Tiff Macklem cited cooling inflation and hinted at possible further rate cuts. Inflation Eases, GDP Growth Slows Canada's inflation rate has moved closer to the bank's 2% target, coming in at 2.7% in April. Quarterly GDP numbers released last week showed weaker-than-expected growth, increasing the likelihood of a rate cut. Gradual Rate-Cutting Cycle Expected Economists predict a gradual rate-cutting cycle, with the Bank of Canada taking a cautious approach to avoid jeopardizing progress made in the fight against inflation. Positive News for Variable Rate Mortgage Holders The rate cut is good news for variable rate mortgage holders, who can expect to save money on their monthly payments. Joseph Hopkinson, a Toronto resident with a variable mortgage, welcomes the cut, saying it will have a tangible impact on his family...